Macchialina Splits with Pubbelly, Plans Additional Changes

Macchialina, the rustic Italian restaurant on Alton Road, has parted ways with the Pubbelly Restaurant Group.

It had operated under the same umbrella as Pubbelly, Pubbelly Sushi, Barceloneta, and PB Steak. Now, chef Michael Pirolo and general manager Jen Chaefsky have assumed full control of operations. And the duo has additional changes in mind.

As far as food and drink, things will remain about the same. Pirolo, formerly of Scarpetta at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, will continue to serve homespun Italian eats such as fresh pastas, pizzas, and entrées like roast chicken and veal milanese.

But they're planning significant renovations of the space. "We'll be replacing the floors throughout and raising the ceilings to open up the space a bit more and also deal with the sound issues we've experienced. In addition, we'll be putting in a new sound system," Chaefsky says.

They'll also expand their off-premises catering service and launch a weekly Wednesday happy hour. As of December 6, specials will include $5 beer and wine, $1 oysters, and a bar menu with dishes from $5 to $8 -- including carved-to-order hot porchetta sandwiches.

Apart from that, Macchialina will largely remain the same. "Most of the changes will be these behind-the-scenes things that will be imperceptible to the dining public," she explains. "Michael and I have always operated and been the faces of Macchialina since day one."